Heterometrus spinifer, the Asian forest scorpion, giant blue scorpion, or giant forest scorpion, is a species of scorpions belonging to the family Scorpionidae.
Description
H. spinifer can reach a length around . The body is shiny black with gray-green reflections. The pincers are highly developed. In captivity it feeds primarily on insects, mainly cockroaches, crickets, and locusts. Its venom can cause severe pain, and mild numbness in the affected area, but it is not typically lethal to humans. These scorpions tend to be skittish and defensive, using their large pedipalps (pincers) to attack, more than their tails.
Distribution and habitat
This species can be found in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, India, and other Southeast Asian countries . Generally, these terrestrial scorpions live in moist forests in the dark undergrowth under logs or other debris, and they burrow into the ground where they hide during the day.
Captivity
The Asian Forest Scorpion is commonly kept in the pet trade due to its low venom toxicity and large size.